In a single day, the world changed. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 -- and the U.S. response to them -- continue to exert a profound effect on our nation and its citizens. In every arena of American life -- from the economy to diplomacy, from military to social -- attitudes and actions have been questioned and, in many cases, transformed. The security vs freedom debate rages on.

It felt great to have full command of one’s destiny, to report to no-one. To not have to climb any ladders or engage in corporate politics. It was invigorating to be one’s own man and my own boss. I was an independent consulting badass.

The terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, sparked a change in U.S. policy on gathering intelligence to prevent further attacks. But as the scales of justice swayed, an erosion of civil liberties became apparent.